The range and severity of the flu season this year remains a matter of speculation, so what to expect is still a mystery.
According to Stephanie Hanenberg, director, UCCS Student Health Center, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are due to give a report in October, but have not yet presented any projections on what the flu season holds in store.
All the same, a preventative inoculation is a good idea. The first Student Health Center flu shot clinic of the season took place Sept. 19, and Hanenberg said others will be scheduled during the fall semester. The next flu shot clinic will be from 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Oct. 10 in the Public Safety Training Room, Department of Public Safety. Flu shots are $20 payable with cash or check. All shots are given on a walk-in basis.
In years past, influenza strains such as H1N1 emerged as especially devastating and availability of vaccine was a concern. However, according to the CDC, which recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get a yearly inoculation, ample supplies of influenza vaccine are available. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body to develop an immune response. Getting vaccinated now will offer protection from the disease when flu season begins. In the United States, influenza season usually begins in October and can last until May.
The CDC's Advisory Committee on immunization practices has advised that conditions for the 2011-12 flu season should be no different from conditions last year with no significant new strains or complications.
Hanenberg said she will advise faculty and staff of flu shot clinic dates via campus email.
Free flu shots are available to qualified CU employees who register for health screening appointments through the Be Colorado program. Learn about Be Colorado at http://www.becolorado.org/
Information on influenza and disease prevention may be found at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/ or http://www.flu.gov/.
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